Gusto TV Easy Apricot Turnovers with Puffy Pastry

Apricot Turnovers

These Easy Apricot Turnovers with Puff Pastry are a perfect example of how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create a dessert that feels elegant, comforting, and completely achievable. Featured on Everyday Excellent, this recipe highlights fresh apricots wrapped in flaky, golden puff pastry and finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Ready in just 25 minutes and requiring minimal prep, these apricot turnovers are ideal for home bakers of all experience levels. Juicy apricots are tossed with lemon juice, sugar, and cornstarch to create a bright, lightly sweet filling, while apricot jam adds depth and intensifies the fruit flavor. Store-bought puff pastry keeps the recipe accessible while delivering bakery-style results.

Whether served warm for dessert, arranged on a brunch table, or enjoyed with afternoon coffee, these turnovers offer everyday elegance—exactly the kind of dish viewers expect from Everyday Excellent.

The Inspiration

Turnovers are a classic pastry found across European baking traditions, particularly in French and Austrian cuisines, where fruit-filled pastries are valued for their simplicity and versatility. Traditionally made to showcase seasonal fruit, turnovers are beloved for their crisp exterior, tender filling, and handheld convenience.

This Apricot Turnovers recipe reflects Vanessa Gianfrancesco’s signature approach: take a familiar classic and streamline it for modern home cooks without sacrificing flavor or presentation. Fresh apricots bring natural sweetness and gentle tartness, while lemon juice sharpens the filling and keeps it vibrant. Cornstarch ensures the fruit juices thicken as they bake, preventing soggy pastry—a small technique that makes a big difference.

Ingredients

Apricot Filling

4 fresh apricots, halved, seeded, and sliced into small wedges
Juice of 1 lemon (fresh lemon juice or bottled lemon juice)
2 tbsp (16 g) cornstarch (arrowroot powder as an alternative)
1 tbsp (12 g) granulated sugar (brown sugar or honey, optional substitution)

Pastry & Assembly

¼ cup (85 g) apricot jam (peach jam or orange marmalade)
1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed (butter puff pastry or plant-based puff pastry)
1 egg, beaten (milk or cream for egg-free wash)
Powdered sugar, for garnish (optional)

Methods

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and cornstarch until smooth. Add the sliced apricots and granulated sugar, tossing gently to coat evenly.
Place the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into four 5 x 5-inch (13 x 13 cm) squares.
Spread 1 tablespoon (12 g) of apricot jam over half of each pastry square, keeping the jam away from the edges. Divide the apricot mixture evenly among the four pastries, placing it on top of the jam.
Lightly moisten the edges of the pastry with water using your fingertip or a pastry brush. Fold one corner over the filling to meet the opposite corner, forming a triangle. Press the edges to seal, then crimp with a fork.
Poke a few small holes in the top of each turnover to allow steam to escape. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet and brush with beaten egg. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These Apricot Turnovers are best served warm, when the pastry is crisp and the filling is tender and fragrant. They’re ideal for dessert, brunch, or afternoon tea, paired with coffee, espresso, or lightly sweetened tea.

For a more indulgent presentation, serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or Greek yogurt. When entertaining, arrange them on a platter and dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a bakery-style finish.

They’re also perfect for casual gatherings, picnics, or holiday brunch tables thanks to their portable size and crowd-pleasing flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Apricot Turnovers with Puff Pastry are a celebration of simple baking done well—flaky, fruity, and effortlessly elegant. By combining fresh apricots, store-bought puff pastry, and a few smart techniques, this recipe delivers reliable, impressive results every time.

Featured on Everyday Excellent, this dish reflects Vanessa Gianfrancesco’s philosophy of cooking: approachable recipes that feel special without being complicated. Whether you’re baking for guests or treating yourself, this is a dessert that delivers comfort, flavor, and confidence.

Find more recipes from Everyday Excellent here!